Longtime Atlanta broadcast anchor Amanda Davis died at the age of 62 after suffering a massive stroke en route to her step-father's funeral.
For nearly 35 years, Davis has been a staple in Atlanta news media working for Fox 5 Atlanta WAGA-TV and most recently CBS 46 News. She was a Clark Atlanta University grad and host of "Wednesday's Child," which highlighted the plight of foster children looking for families.
She was still at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International airport when she had the stroke. According to USA Today, she was surrounded by family when she died Wednesday, Dec. 27 at 9:30 p.m.
News of her passing has rocked the southern capital to the core. Outgoing Mayor of Atlanta Kasim Reed expressed his condolences on Twitter in wake of Davis' unexpected death.
Saddened to hear about the sudden passing of Atlanta news icon, Amanda Davis. Our thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones during this difficult time. She will truly be missed.
— Kasim Reed (@KasimReed) December 28, 2017
Rev. Bernice King, daughter of civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., called for prayers for her family and colleagues during this hard time.
Rest well, Amanda Davis. My thoughts and prayers are with your family, friends, colleagues, and those you mentored. Thank you. pic.twitter.com/BpR1k34ukP
— Be A King (@BerniceKing) December 28, 2017
Others, like journalist Roland S. Martin, Mayor-elect Keisha Lance Bottoms and Davis' former station, remarked on her career and role in defining Atlanta's news market for the last three decades.
We are remembering the amazing career and impact left behind by longtime Atlanta anchor Amanda Davis: https://t.co/B27sUQtoVe
Please share your own memories with us… pic.twitter.com/aPLGwFIiTa
— FOX 5 Atlanta (@FOX5Atlanta) December 28, 2017
Saddened to hear of the passing of @cbs46 Amanda Davis. Such a beautiful person, inside & out. My thoughts & prayers are w/ her loved ones.
— Keisha Lance Bottoms (@KeishaBottoms) December 28, 2017
Twitter user @ChrisTheFlyest was one of many fans who grew up with Davis appearing on their TVs. She is part of a trifecta of black women anchors in Atlanta.
EVERYBODY who grew up in Atlanta in the past 30 yrs grew up watching Amanda Davis, Monica Kauffman, and Brenda Wood. RIP Amanda Davis
— FOH (@ChrisTheFlyest) December 28, 2017
After struggling with alcoholism, Davis shared her story with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution to help others overcome their addiction. Davis' family is "asking for privacy at this difficult time."
